Increase in Deaths from West Nile Fever in Armenia

As of September 20, Armenia has recorded 132 laboratory-confirmed cases of West Nile fever. In the week from September 14 to 20, 4 new cases of the disease were confirmed. A total of 4 deaths from West Nile fever have been reported in Armenia. This information has been provided by the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The National Center for Infectious Diseases has stated that the disease does not transmit from person to person, but it can be spread through blood transfusions, organ transplants, and from mother to child. The incubation period for the disease is 2-3 weeks.

Among the infected individuals, about 1 in 5 will develop clinical symptoms, which may include chills, fever rising from 38-40°C, headaches, widespread muscle aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and skin rashes. In 1% of cases, central nervous system involvement such as encephalitis or meningitis may occur, leading to severe, debilitating, pulsating headaches, fever surpassing 40°C, uncontrollable vomiting, photophobia, convulsions, and varying degrees of consciousness impairment.

Individuals at risk for West Nile fever include the elderly, those with cardiovascular diseases, individuals with neoplastic diseases, people with diabetes, those with chronic kidney problems, and more.

Preventive measures against infection with West Nile fever include using mosquito control measures, wearing clothing that covers most of the body, and sleeping in areas protected from mosquitoes.